If you’re like me, and you crave something that tingles the taste buds—something sticky, sweet, and with a kick—you’re in for a treat with these chicken drumsticks. They remind me of those summer barbecue nights that extend into starlit campfire stories, with flavors so bold they practically dance on your tongue. And hey, have you noticed how the weather’s been playing tricks on us lately? Perfect excuse to fire up the oven and let these drumsticks work their magic.
Steps
- In a large resealable bag, mix together balsamic vinegar, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bag, seal it, and marinate the contents in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, then place a cooling rack on top. Remove the chicken from the marinade, keeping the marinade aside, and arrange the drumsticks on the cooling rack.
- Bake the chicken for about 30 minutes until the skin is caramelized and has darkened spots. While the chicken is baking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for around 15 minutes until it thickens.
- Once the marinade has thickened, use a pastry brush to coat the cooked marinade over the chicken drumsticks. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Transfer the baked chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
FAQ
- What is the best way to marinate the chicken drumsticks?
- Combine balsamic vinegar, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a large resealable bag. Add the chicken, seal the bag, and let it marinate in the fridge for about 2 hours to enhance the flavor.
- How should I prepare the baking sheet for easy cleanup?
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a cooling rack on top. This setup helps ensure easy cleanup after baking and allows air to circulate around the drumsticks for even cooking.
- What do I do with the leftover marinade?
- Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer until it thickens, approximately 15 minutes. Use it as a glaze by brushing it over the drumsticks before the final baking stage.
- At what temperature should I bake the chicken drumsticks, and for how long?
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Bake the drumsticks for about 30 minutes until the skin is caramelized and dark in spots. After brushing with the thickened marinade, return them to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
- Can I garnish the drumsticks before serving?
- Yes, once the drumsticks are cooked, you can sprinkle them with sesame seeds and chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Ensure the chicken drumsticks are marinated for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors of balsamic vinegar, honey, and soy sauce to fully infuse into the meat.
- Use a Cooling Rack: When baking, place the drumsticks on a cooling rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet. This setup helps the heat circulate evenly around the chicken, leading to a crispier skin.
- Thicken the Marinade: Simmer the reserved marinade until it thickens. This will create a rich glaze that can be brushed over the drumsticks, adding an extra layer of flavor and stickiness.
- Finish with Freshness: After baking, sprinkle the drumsticks with sesame seeds and chopped parsley. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish.
Equipment
- Cooling rack
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Pastry brush
- Small saucepan